Views from Maryland...Home for now, but sometimes out and about, trying to see more of the world whenever possible. The world is my home. And family and friends my world.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Ugly Americans

So I really enjoyed the presidential election debates with all the candidates, Democrats, Republicans, and others. And I have a great optimism about our country, despite all of it's problems- which in the end are exposed. And hopefully justice is served...sometimes late.

But the recent contentiousness that has been displayed over what I would expect would be bipartisan concerns, not only socially, but personally for all of our citizens, baffles me.

Who among us has not had health concerns? Whether with our children, our parents, ourselves, or other loved ones..friends and family alike? These are serious issues, which change our lives..and our outlook on our lives as well. Not taken lightly. These are life changing experiences. Mostly people, myself included, change their priorities in life.

To enjoy the good things, however small they may be, which are magnatized in perspective. Our values become treasuring the little details of life. Our relationships. Our loves. Our regrets. Our memories. Our laughters, jokes with our friends and families. Music that brings memories of our life. Our place in society..boomers, generation X, Y, whatever.

Caring for injured, sick, aging, and those who have been stricken with disease, through no fault of their own, becomes a huge priority, with enormous paperwork, health channels to try to learn, navigate, details on treatments with different doctors and opinions, trying to get appointments with specialists who are in high demand, insurance issues and problems, as well as the human aspect of it all. Just trying to maintain the day to day living and the quality of life...as best as we can. For those we love.

So why are some people screaming at each other? That is so not functional to help to try to solve the problems that most people have. It's totally anti- intelligent. Anti-intellectual. How can we try to get a better system when people are making up lies and acting like..well, I don't think dicks is a bad word, is it? You get the picture.

So, in the light of this current debate, on the health care of all Americans..I want to take a stand..for all of us who are caring individuals, mothers, sons, daughters, fathers, friends..to take a look at this perspective.

My grandmother, who passed away in 2002, at the age of 97, bought for our 3 children( over 20 years ago), who are all adults now, life insurance..of a very modest means. So I receive magazines from Jednota, Fraternally Yours, First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, each month, with Czech news from around the USA. They have a new editor, Carolyn Bazik, who I think must be a very kind and lovely lady, and here is her editorial from this months newsletter. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing it with you. Although from her messages..I think not.

Perhaps if you read this and you agree, some people may rethink their strategies for reform. We def need reform, but we can't get it until intelligent discussion and discourse of ideas can happen first. That does not include SCREAMING and acting like raving stupid luntics.

I Believe Kindness Matters...Do You?

What type of person are you? Are you the kind who cheers up a room by entering it or are you the kind that causes people to cheer when you leave it? What do you bring to your interactions with co-workers, family and friends? Do you bring light, encouragement, optimism, and kind words? Or is it rather doom and gloom, pessimism, critiscim, and cynicism?

People often forget what we say and more often than not what we do, but as Maya Angelou said, "They always remember how we made them feel."

Here are some other wise words about kindness for you to ponder this month:

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." - Oscar Wilde

"That best portion of a good man's life: his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love." - William Wordsworth

"Kindness is loving people more than they deserve." -Joseph Joubert

"We are made kind be being kind." - Eric Hoffer

"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." _ Benjamin Franklin

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom." - Theadore Isaac Rubin, M.D.

"Let no one ever comes to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness in your face, in your eyes, kindness in your smile." - Mother Theresa

"I choose kindness...I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me." - Max Lucado

"I've never known any human being, high or humble. who ever regretted, when nearing life's end, having done kindly deeds. But I have known more than one millionaire who became haunted by the realization that they had led selfish lives." - B.C. Forbes

1 comment:

Since I'm not in the States and don't have a tv to watch the news as much as I should I don't follow what is happening with the healthcare problem that is currently being argued in America. It does baffle me anytime I hear the news with interviews of the "ugly americans" in which you speak. Healthcare, unlike some of the other government money eating funds (military?) is for the people, and should benefit everyone. Panama has unbelievable affordable healthcare and even with the little things like getting a check up, you don't have to pay an insane amount because their government recognizes that healthcare is such an important human right that all people, rich or poor, should have the luxury of receiving. I do miss America, but living here, with this new President, it seems things are getting done right, corruption is diminishing, and people are happy. Kindness acts aren't uncommon here and optimism day to day is on a way elevated level than in the States. This post was really beautiful. Making someone feel kindness from a little act is the most pleasurable experience one can do. "Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom." So amazing! : )